Diabetes: What you need to know
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Time to read 5 min
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Time to read 5 min
Keywords: diabetes, blood, glucose
Table of Content
Did you know that diabetes affects over 422 million people worldwide?
Let’s explore how diabetes is diagnosed and monitored, the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and the critical role of the diabetes biomarker HbA1c. We'll also shed light on the early signs and symptoms of diabetes, its impact on personal life, and strategies for living with this condition.
Diabetes is diagnosed and monitored using several key metrics, including fasting blood sugar tests , A1C levels , and blood pressure levels .
Fasting blood sugar tests measure blood sugar after an overnight fast, providing a snapshot of glucose levels at a specific point in time.
A1C levels, on the other hand, provide a longer-term view, reflecting average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months .
Blood pressure levels are also monitored as hypertension can often accompany diabetes, posing additional health risks.
While these tests are instrumental in diagnosing and managing diabetes, they do have limitations.
For instance, fasting blood sugar tests may not accurately reflect glucose levels throughout the day, and A1C tests may not be as reliable in certain populations, such as those with anaemia or kidney disease. This is why these values are only taken into consideration together with a doctor’s opinion on your overall health and clinical history.
Early detection of diabetes can significantly improve the management and prognosis of the condition.
The first signs and symptoms of diabetes often include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores.
It's important to note that these symptoms may develop gradually for Type 2 diabetes, making them easy to overlook.
On the other hand, symptoms of Type 1 diabetes tend to appear quickly and be more severe.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical help promptly.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications, such as heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and vision loss.
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Living with diabetes can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it's possible to manage the condition effectively and maintain a high quality of life.
One of the key aspects of diabetes management is regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
This helps in making informed decisions about food, physical activity, and medication.
Another crucial aspect is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
It's also important to manage stress as it can affect blood sugar levels.
Connecting with others who have diabetes can provide emotional support and practical advice.
According to the NIH, joining a diabetes online community has proven to be beneficial .
Furthermore, regular check-ups with healthcare providers are essential to monitor the condition and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a crucial biomarker in diabetes management, serving as an indicator of average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months.
According to a study published in Translational Research, HbA1c can be considered a biomarker for the presence and severity of hyperglycemia , implying diabetes or prediabetes.
Furthermore, it can also act as a " biomarker for a risk factor, " indicating hyperglycemia as a risk factor for diabetic complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and other vascular complications.
Regular monitoring of HbA1c levels can thus help in the timely detection, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications.
It's important to note that while HbA1c is a valuable tool in diabetes management, it's not a definitive measure, and other factors such as diet, exercise, and medication also play a significant role in controlling the disease.
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While there is currently no definitive cure for diabetes, various treatments can help manage the disease and even put it into remission.
Type 2 diabetes, often linked to obesity, can sometimes be reversed through significant lifestyle changes, such as adopting a low-calorie diet, increasing physical activity, and losing weight.
A small number of studies have shown that bariatric surgery and therapeutic fasting can also help reverse type 2 diabetes .
However, these treatments are not widespread and require further research.
On the other hand, type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, cannot be cured. Some promising treatments, such as islet cell transplantation can improve the quality of life for type 1 diabetics, but these treatments are still in the experimental stages.
It's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before making any significant changes to your treatment plan.
Contrary to popular belief, consuming sugar does not directly cause type 2 diabetes.
However, a diet high in added sugars can contribute to obesity, heart disease and stroke , a significant risk factor for the disease.
Drinks with high sugar content, like sodas, are associated with an increased risk of diabetes.
While sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, it's only part of the overall picture.
As for alcohol, it can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Alcohol can cause both low and high blood sugar, depending on the amount consumed and the type of diabetes medication being used.
It's important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels closely when consuming alcohol.
Yes, exercise can indeed lower blood sugar levels .
Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity, which means your muscle cells can use any available insulin more effectively to absorb glucose.
This process helps lower blood glucose levels during and after activity.
Regular physical activity can also reduce your A1C , a measure of your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.
Monitoring your blood glucose levels before and after exercise can help you understand how your body responds to different activities and prevent your blood glucose from going too high or too low.
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